By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
YOU have to look twice not to mistake Happy African Variety Store for a hair salon.
Giant posters of lushly-coiffeured models, not to mention an array of hair extensions, tints and tonics, reflect the importance of hair grooming in African culture, says chief executive Gumaa Gatang.
The hot seller at the moment is Beyonce-style blond hair extensions, naturally.
Mr Gatang’s store is the only business in Dandenong Plaza dedicated to African imported food, hair products, movies, bakhoor incenses, biscuits and decorative food trays and tea urns.
Many of his customers hail from South Africa, delighted to reaquaint with sweets such as Jelly Tots, tamarind lollies and chutney-flavoured potato crisps, as well as their homeland spices and beans.
One of the most popular items are staple foods such as Nido powdered milk and sorghum flour for making doughs to dip into soups and mains.
There’s also cool sweetened juices and soft drinks in the fridge, such as Fruiti-O which is a blast of sweetened mango.
Mr Gatang, who has moved here from Egypt and Sudan, is following his parents’ line of trade.
His sister Suzi opened the first Happy African Variety Store in Noble Park, which has since flourished in bigger premises in Douglas Street.
“It was hard to set up the business at first. My plan is to look and see African products in the supermarket. That would be a big pleasure for me and a big profit for them.”
Do you have a favourite exotic delicacy found in Greater Dandenong? Let us know at journal@starnewsgroup.com.au
